COCOMI Condemns Brutal Action Against Peaceful Protesters Over Sangai Festival 2025
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), together with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the people of Manipur, staged a mass agitation against the State administration under President’s Rule for its unilateral decision to proceed with the Sangai Festival 2025 at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal, scheduled to commence on 21 November 2025.
Condemnation of Force Against Peaceful Protesters
COCOMI expresses its strongest condemnation of the brutal and unprovoked actions of security forces against peaceful protesters, which resulted in injuries to several individuals. The assault on demonstrators, including women and displaced persons who have already endured immense suffering due to the ongoing crisis, is unacceptable in a democratic society.
The committee strongly denounces the manhandling, violent charging, and arrest of its IPR Convenor, Laikhuram Jayenta, along with an active volunteer of the committee, Shamurailatpam Devadutta, who remained untraceable at the time of the release of this statement.
Such excessive and targeted use of force against civil society leaders constitutes a clear violation of democratic norms and fundamental civic rights.
Discontentment Against an Anti-People Festival Under President’s Rule
COCOMI places on record its deep discontentment and criticism of the Governor-led administration operating under President’s Rule for pushing forward an anti-people Sangai Festival 2025 without the consent, cooperation, or confidence of the people of Manipur.
At a time when thousands of people remain displaced, when normalcy has not been restored, and when the wounds of violence are still fresh, the insistence on organizing an extravagant festival is insensitive, misplaced, and against the wishes of the people.
What meaningful purpose does such a festival serve when the very people for whom it is claimed to be organized are unable to return home, move freely, or exercise their fundamental rights?
Instead of addressing urgent humanitarian and security concerns, the State machinery has chosen to suppress public dissent and impose a festival upon a grieving society.
People’s Rights Must Come First
COCOMI firmly asserts that the fundamental rights of citizens must take precedence over any festival or promotional event. The administration under President’s Rule has completely disregarded the sentiments, voices, and priorities of the people.
This raises a legitimate question:
Who truly benefits from organizing the Sangai Festival 2025 at this juncture, and at whose cost?
COCOMI appeals to all people of Manipur to stand united and send a clear collective message: the people will not trade their rights, dignity, and security for a tourism festival.
Before Any Celebration, the State Must
- Restore the fundamental rights and freedom of movement of all citizens
- Ensure the safe return of all Internally Displaced Persons to their homes
- Re-establish peace and normalcy across Manipur
- End all forms of coercion and suppression against civilian voices
If the State continues to ignore these priorities, it renders itself irrelevant to the needs and aspirations of the people.
Call for Mass Sit-In Demonstration
COCOMI calls upon all citizens to participate in a mass sit-in demonstration on 21 November 2025 with the following declarations:
“WE WILL NOT TAKE PART IN SANGAI FESTIVAL 2025”
“RESTORE OUR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS BEFORE SANGAI FESTIVAL”
This is a firm message to the administration: the people of Manipur will not allow anti-people decisions to be imposed upon them under any circumstance.
Khuraijam Athouba
Convenor, COCOMI
Imphal, Manipur